Arts and Culture

MPR News has you covered with news and stories about local art and culture happenings across Minnesota.

Art Hounds: Art Hounds are members of the Minnesota arts community who look beyond their own work to highlight what's exciting in local art. You can explore arts events here, or become an Art Hound today.

Cube Critics: Stay up to date with our weekly art and culture chats with MPR News’ Jacob Aloi, Alex V. Cipolle, Max Sparber, Aron Woldeslassie and guests. Listen to or read Cube Critics here

Art Reviews: Our arts team offers insight on the latest in theater, music, visual arts and more. We explore the breadth of creativity and innovation found throughout Minnesota, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the works and artists shaping our cultural landscape. Read more here.

Art Friend: Everyone needs an art friend. Art Friend is a new segment with our arts team. Art spaces can feel exclusive and art can be confusing, obtuse, and even boring. But, especially with the right context, everyone can be a critic. So let us be your guide- your Art Friend. Listen or read Art Friend stories here.

Our arts coverage is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Art Hounds: Murals, molten metal and memories
This week’s Art Hounds recommend the Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival, Caponi Art Park’s “Hot Art” event, and the Kate Nobbe exhibition in Minneapolis’ North Loop.
Can movie theaters sustain the 'Barbie boost'?
Going to the movies is hot again thanks to the so-called "Barbie boost." “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer” and other movies continue to rev up the summer box office. But can theaters sustain the momentum?
This 'Evergreen' LA noir novel imagines the post-WWII reality of Japanese Americans
In Naomi Hirahara's mystery novel, a Japanese American family interned during the war returns home to a changed city. They're still settling in when their daughter is caught up in a murder.
Clarence Avant, a major power broker in music, sports and politics, has died at 92
Clarence Avant boosted the careers of a vast array of influential figures, including Michael Jackson, Jim Brown and Barack Obama. He came back into the news after his wife was murdered in 2021.
James McBride's 'Heaven & Earth' is an all-American mix of prejudice and hope
Set in a neighborhood where Blacks and immigrant Jews have lived next to each other for decades, “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” is one of the best novels critic Maureen Corrigan has read this year.
'Barbie' has legs: Greta Gerwig's film tops box office again and gives industry a midsummer surge
“Barbie” is cruising atop the box office. Studio estimates Sunday said director Greta Gerwig’s film phenomenon remained a runaway No. 1 in its fourth week, bringing in $33.7 million.